The Age of Imperialism
In answering the call of imperialism, Europeans altered the
way of life on every continent.
IMPERIALISM
After 1500, empires became one of the most common forms of economic
and political organization around the world. But the period between 1815
and 1914 stands out as the "Imperial Century," because during this time
nearly three-quarters of the earth came to be dominated by a handful of
empires.
Imperialism depended on the physical occupation and administration of
overseas dominions to utilize and exploit labor, resources, and raw
materials for the benefit of the nation state. By the nineteenth century,
imperialism was more aggressive than in any previous era.
Wherever imperialism occurred, however, it was usually accomplished by
violence and oppression. Moreover, the unequal relationships caused by
imperialism sparked resistance all over the world; the movements such
resistance inspired led to nationalist movements that eventually destroyed
all of the once-great empires.
The Age of Imperialism
Define Imperialism – A policy in which a strong nation seeks to
dominate other countries politically,
economically and socially.
The Mad Scramble for Africa
1. According to this cartoon,
which European countries
were fighting for a position in
Africa?
2. How did the Berlin
Conference lead to the
situation shown in the
cartoon?
(the Berlin Conference is
discussed in your book on
pg.687 )
EUROPEAN CONTROL OF AFRICA
What country is
represented by the white?
Why?
•Ethiopia
•Menilik II resisted
colonization
The Age of Imperialism, 1850-1914
Causes
Nationalism
To gain power, European
nations compete for
colonies and trade.
Economic Competition
Demand for raw
materials and new
markets spurs a search
for colonies.
Missionary Spirit
Europeans believe they
must spread their
Christian teachings to
the world.
Europeans
exerted influence
over the economic,
political, and social
lives of people they
colonized.
Social Darwinism
Ideologies such as Social Darwinism justified
European expansion into Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. Social Darwinism, a belief in the cultural
superiority of western nations over less
industrially developed nations
White Man's Burden": racist patronizing that preached
that the “superior” Westerners had an obligation to bring
their culture to “uncivilized” peoples in other parts of the
world.
Poem by Rudyard Kipling
• “The sun never sets on the British Empire”
• 1. What does the above saying mean?
• 2. Which British colony is also a
continent?
• 3. How could such a small nation gain
ASIAN IMPERIALISM
American Imperialism
•Early imperialism called Manifest Destiny – to expand from “sea to
shining sea.” Indian wars, the Mexican War.
•Americans moved out into the Pacific Ocean in the nineteenth century
(1800s). Took control of Hawaii.
•Japan – in 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry opened up trade with
Japan by threatening military action.
•Japanese opened up trade to everyone. By 1830, Japan itself was an
imperialist power, taking control of the Pacific. This led to American
involvement in WWII.
•Fought a war with Spain in 1898. Acquired the Philippines, Guam and
Puerto Rico. (Spanish American War) U.S. becomes a world power.
The Age of Imperialism, 1850-1914
Effects
Colonization
Europeans control land
and people in areas of
Africa, Asia, and Latin
America.
Europeans
exerted influence
over the economic,
political, and social
lives of people they
colonized.
Colonial Economics
Europeans control trade
in the colonies and set
up dependent cash-crop
economies.
Christianization
Christianity is spread to
Africa, India, and Asia.
Imperialism led to:
Militarism: Glorification of the military.
Militarism led to:
Nationalism: A strong feeling of pride in and
devotion to one’s country.
Nationalism led to:
Aspirations for independence in a country under
foreign domination.
WORLD WAR I